Devices like the Michigan Micro Mote could soon be part of a new ecosystem in the Internet of Things space called implantables. https://www.flickr.com/photos/26556146@N07/16254814400/in/album-72157650084451358/

This is a truly mixed bag this week. From implanted devices to government policy. We really threw it around this week. We’re interested in your feedback and questions about smart home technology and would love to

Top 10 Implantable Wearables Soon To Be In Your Body (Via WTVox)
Forget putting on your Fitbit…what if you had it embedded in your arm and it could stream data to your apps and even your doctor? We’re not that far off. WTVox looks at 10 technologies that are coming that we can wear in us. From smart organs to smart dust like the M3 at the University of Michigan. The point being made here is that wearables are a ‘transition technology’ until we can refine motes to reside in us. There are both positives and negatives to this. I am interested in the verified self, where a chip is embedded that can be used to identify you for purchases, unlocking your door or other security-related devices. It can also be used in the event of a natural disaster to locate people or even use for emergencies in office buildings. This is pretty controversial and I’m interested in what your thoughts are?

IoT Challenges to Ponder Before Writing Checks (via RTInsights)
I like this piece because it aligns nicely with our approach to this space. We think that there is a need for some type of standardization, that data privacy is important and that there needs to be a clearly defined set of use cases. The market will decide and is already pushing for things. Coldwell Banker/CNET’s recent survey shows that by the end of this year, 45% of consumers will have purchased some type of smart home technology. It also shows that 54% of sellers will install smart home tech if it means their homes will sell faster. But what to buy? Our advice is that you want to understand what ecosystem a platform supports. There are a few choices on the market. Amazon Echo ($179) and Echo Dot ($90) can connect to a ton of devices and has now made it easer for smart home companies to integrate into the Echo platform. Here are links to see which devices work with Nest, SmartThings, Apple and Wink. One app or control point is much easier than several apps for several devices and it seems these companies are now starting to figure that out.

Looks like President Obama cares about the IoT (via Internet of Business)
The Department of Commerce is starting to see what it can do about IoT security and privacy. The DoC’s group National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is working to determine how the government should be involved in this space, if at all. We’ve been invited to comment on this proposal and will be doing so in the coming month. Do you think the government should be involved in this?

3 Standards We Need for Smart Home Security (via ITProPortal)
Again with the standards! Stefan Swanepoel talks about what will take to have IoT devices adopted by consumers. He even mentions….CRTLabs! He’s right though…consumers are ready for this, but we need to make sure their security and safety are considered. Kudos Stefan!

That’s it for this week. What do you think? Have something you’d like us to cover? Let us know in the comments below!!